Jakle: 'GCB' over the top, yet lots of fun

Updated 9:56 pm, Sunday, March 4, 2012

Photo: Richard Foreman, ABC

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GCB - "Love is Patient" - Things heat up when a church relationship seminar forces Amanda to confront her past while Heather sets her eyes on her new client and former high school nerd, Andrew (Tom Everett Scott). Meanwhile Carlene meddles in both Sharon's and Cricket's marriages to deflect from her own marital dissatisfaction, on "GCB," SUNDAY, MARCH 18 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/RICHARD FOREMAN) LESLIE BIBB, KRISTIN CHENOWETH, MIRIAM SHOR, MARISOL NICHOLS, JENNIFER ASPEN

GCB - "Love is Patient" - Things heat up when a church relationship seminar forces Amanda to confront her past while Heather sets her eyes on her new client and former high school nerd, Andrew (Tom Everett

First, let me clear up a possible misconception: “GCB” is not another “Desperate Housewives.”

Fans of the veteran ABC series shouldn't go in thinking they're about to get a woman-centric comedy of the same ilk. Compared to this new rowdy romp, “Housewives” almost seems like credible drama.

Also, “GCB” — which premieres at 9 tonight after “Housewives” — is not “a love letter to Texas” as ABC entertainment chief Paul Lee has suggested. I'm fairly sure many San Antonio women will not relate to the show's central group of big-haired, plastic surgery-obsessed, jewel-dripping gals.

Executive producer Robert Harling agreed that the “GCB” world is specific to, not only Dallas, but a particular part of Dallas. One of its stars, Leslie Bibb, chimed in: “Highland Park.”

As for the series title, well ... no amount of explaining can take away that bit of awkwardness. Because the title of the book it's based on, “Good Christian Bitches,” may prove offensive to some, the series' name initially was changed to “Good Christian Belles.” However, “belles is not exactly accurate for the Texas environment,” explained Harling, who's most famous for another depiction of Southern women, “Steel Magnolias.” “‘Belles' is more of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.”

Yes, but is going the abbreviation route the answer? “GCB” sounds more like a line of vitamins than a TV show.

All that said, the new soap does have its strengths. Most important, it's entertaining; after watching two episodes, I was eager to see more.

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The setup: Amanda Vaughn (Bibb), a former high school “mean girl,” is about to get a kind of comeuppance. After her marriage ends in scandal and she and her kids are left penniless, she reluctantly returns home to her mother, Gigi (Annie Potts), the quintessential Dallas socialite. Horrified by Amanda's flat hair and lack of designer apparel, Gigi can't wait to get her hands on her daughter.

Not as thrilled by Amanda's return, however, are some former schoolmates; specifically, three of the girls she once tortured, who are now bent on revenge. Leading the pack is scripture-spouting Carlene Cockburn (Kristin Chenoweth). Once considered an ugly duckling, she has undergone quite the transformation thanks to the help of some good surgeons. Though she enjoys a lavish life with a gorgeous husband (David James Elliott) and a prominent role in her community church, she still can't seem to let go of that nasty old grudge.

Which brings me to another “GCB” plus: A strong cast that manages to pull off over-the-top lines and wicked double-entendres that would have withered on the tongues of lesser talents. Chenoweth and Potts are especially good.

Adding balance are more down-to-earth portrayals by Bibb and Marisol Nichols. The latter plays a real estate broker, a former outsider, who initially is grateful to be part of the elite clique led by Carlene. It soon becomes apparent, however, that Amanda's offer of friendship is truer.

Though “GCB” may not have the universal appeal of “Housewives” — particularly early “Housewives” — the show is irreverent, rambunctious, even wildly funny at times. Standout moments point up the hypocrisy of this so-called good Christian bunch. For instance, when it comes out that Carlene and her husband own a Hooters-type establishment, the latter tries to comfort his wife by holding up her Bible. “There is nothing in this book,” he reasons, “that says you can't own a booby bar.”

Jeanne Jakle's column appears Wednesdays and Sundays in S.A. Life, and she blogs at Jakle's Jacuzzi on mySA.com. Email her at jjakle@express-news.net.